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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Galehead Mountain, Garfield Ridge - East Peak, Garfield Ridge - West Peak, Mt. Garfield, NH
Trails
Trails: Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, bushwhacks, Garfield Trail, old snowmobile trail, Gale River Road
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, September 17, 2016
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: The Gale River Tr lot was about half full at 7:30 am and full at 3pm. Some jack wagon set up a tent two spaces over from the trailhead. Garfield Tr parking lot was overflowing at 3 pm with about two dozen cars.  
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: All were low.  
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: All trails were in good shape.  
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: There is some rough terrain across the Garfield Ridge and a couple short scrambles. Experienced trail dogs should have no problems. Gale River Tr and Garfield Tr Re dog friendly. There is some water along the ridge but it would be a good idea to bring some extra for your pup. 
Bugs
Bugs: There were some buzzing at lower elevation but none biting.  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: Found a 420 IPA beer bottle just north of Garfield Pond. 
 
Comments
Comments: After a quick hike up to Galehead Marlie and I headed west towards Mt Garfield. Along the way I decided to try and find the East and West peak of Garfield Ridge. I found what I believe were the two highest points on the first bump which at the time I thought was E Pk. But now I'm not sure since I didn't find the canister. The west peak, although a little further off of the trail was more obvious.

After summiting Mt Garfield, we descended to the west to Garfield Pond. I wanted to find the abandoned Garfield Pond Cutoff but there were numerous herd paths around the pond including one that led to a couple piles of uncovered human feces. The herd paths soon petered out and it became very thick around the pond. I crossed the outlet and was never really sure where the old trail was as I zig zagged back in forth as I made my way east. After pushing through some very thick spruce and tight trees. We eventually popped out on the Garfield Tr a short distance below the seventh switchback. In hind sight I must have been too low after leaving the pond.

After a quick descent of Garfield Tr we headed east on the old Corridor 11 back to Gale River Loop Rd. 15 minutes later were returned to the parking lot.

14.5 mi. 4400' elev + 7 hr 15 min  
Name
Name: IQuest 
E-Mail
E-Mail: iandanner@hotmail com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2016-09-18 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.

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